The scent of antiseptic and stale fear clung to Lena’s clothes, even after she’d shed the elegant gown. She sat huddled on the edge of her bed, wrapped in a thick blanket, but the cold had seeped into her bones. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw it: the flash, the smoke, Lady Gretchen’s eyes wide with shock before they glazed over. And Max. Max’s utterly blank face. His chillingly calm voice.A soft knock at the door startled her. Before she could answer, it opened, and Elena, Max’s grandmother, stepped inside. Her face was etched with concern, but her eyes held a profound understanding. She carried a small, steaming cup.“Lena, child,” Elena said, her voice a gentle balm. She sat beside Lena on the bed, the mattress dipping slightly. “Drink this. It will help.”Lena took the cup, her hands trembling so violently the tea sloshed over the rim. “I… I can’t, Grandma Elena. I just… I can’t.” Her voice was a raw whisper, thick with unshed tears. “I saw it. I saw him. He just… he just

The hum of the luxury sedan was the only sound, a low, purring counterpoint to the city’s distant thrum. Vincenzo sat in the back, a faint smile playing on his lips, while Magnus, beside him, practically vibrated with anticipation. The drive was long, taking them out of the elegant heart of Paris and into its grittier, industrial outskirts.“Are you sure about this, Vincenzo?” Magnus asked, though his tone betrayed no doubt, only a predatory excitement. “Ferdinand Giucerro. The whispers about his family… they’re legendary.”Vincenzo chuckled, a dry, raspy sound. “Legendary, indeed. The Giucerro family, Magnus, were not merely assassins. They were artists of death. Each generation refined the craft, turning murder into a macabre ballet. Their reputation was such that kings and emperors sought their services, and entire bloodlines vanished at their whim. They were a force of nature, untamed and utterly ruthless.” He paused, a flicker of something dark in his eyes. “My father, Leonardo L

The cold, metallic tang of the warehouse air was thick with the scent of Pedro Gonzalo’s fear. He writhed against the restraints, his breath coming in ragged gasps, a thin trickle of blood escaping the corner of his mouth. Bucky stood over him, a silent, imposing shadow, his face a mask of grim determination. Roland remained a few paces back, his analytical gaze fixed on the scene, observing every flinch, every tremor.“Last chance, Pedro,” Bucky growled, his voice a low rumble. “Who else? Who’s the new boss? The one who took over the Donqiote’s operation? The one Lady Gretchen was working for?”Pedro whimpered, his eyes darting wildly. He coughed, a wet, rattling sound, then forced out a few words in broken, halting English. “I… I tell you… I tell you everything. Just… no more. Please. No more.”Bucky leaned closer, his massive frame a suffocating presence. “Speak, then. And don’t lie. I’ll know.”“She… she just give me the kids,” Pedro choked out, his voice barely audible. “I… I dri

The limousine crashed through central New York. Vincenzo and Magnus stepped out of the limousine. They stepped into the grand lobby of the "La Fonte" hotel, their footsteps echoing against the polished marble floors. They made their way to the elevators, Vincenzo's expression tense.“You sure this is the right place, uncle?” Magnus murmured, his gaze sweeping across the lavish surroundings.Vincenzo nodded, his jaw tightening. “Ross said we’d find him here. Just follow my lead, alright?”The elevator ride up to the penthouse was filled with a heavy silence, the air thick with anticipation. As the doors slid open, they were greeted by Ross, the contractor who had helped them arrange this meeting with Ferdinand, aka Kill Shot. Ross’s connection was needed because very few people could get in contact with Ferdinand. Ross’s connection in the underground world was the only way they were able to schedule a meeting with him at the hotel.“Vincenzo, my friend,” Ross greeted, a strained smile

The study was softly illuminated, permeated with the exquisite scent of matured wine, while Vincenzo and his nephew, Magnus, were seated facing each other, gently tapping their glasses together.Magnus leaned back in his chair, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. "Your plan to hire Killshot was brilliant, Uncle. How did you even come up with the plan to use the orphanage caretaker to get to Kill Shot."Vincenzo swirled the deep red liquid in his glass, his gaze fixed on the dancing light. "Well, it was actually that lowly man, Pedro Gonzalo, who helped me realize the potential of this scheme."Magnus brow furrowed in surprise. " yeah, I heard Bucky interrogated someone who was in cahoots with the caretaker. But how could a man of little importance contribute to your grand plan?"Vincenzo let out a soft chuckle. "Ah! You see, Pedro didn't know of the role he was playing in all of this. He used to work for the Mexican cartel, just like he does now – a mere foot soldier in their ranks